Nondescript destination of Kumaon – Bhowali

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Nondescript destination of Kumaon – Bhowali

Bhowali main junction - the road from top side leads to Nainital

Bhowali can be called the nerve centre of Kumaon, as in order to proceed towards a majority of destinations in Kumaon, one has to pass through this nondescript little village town, which is also known as the fruit market of the region.  Situated at a distance of about 34 kms. from the railhead of Kathgodam, one can approach Bhowali either from Nainital side through Jeolikote or from Bhimtal side, which is a wee bit shorter road.  If one approaches from the Nainital side, one will have to cross this destination even for visiting the Champawat side.  However, if one is traversing from Bhimtal side, the road towards Champawat bi-furcates mid-way.  For visiting Mukteshwar, Almora or Ranikhet and beyond, one has to cross this nondescript township and hence I call it the nerve centre of Kumaon, specifically as the all arterial roads lead through this destination.

Panoramic view of Bhowali village

 Perched at an altitude of about 1650 meters, the township enjoys a salubrious climate all year round.  Being an old market, it has been the outlet for sale of stone fruits like plum, pear, apple et al that grow around it in Nainital, Ramgarh etc.  and available during summers and early monsoon.  During the fall season, other fruits like walnuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts etc. make an appearance in the market and is a main attraction for the tourists passing by, who enjoy these mountain fruits, as per the season and this at times creates a traffic jam in the region, as not enough space is available for parking of the vehicles.  Apart from fruits, I personally while traversing through this market, especially on my way back to Delhi, source fresh vegetables, be it cabbages, peas, cauliflowers (during summers also) or various kinds of other local green leafy vegetables (known as ‘saag’ in Hindi), as I find them to be more tasty and fresh, than from what we get here in Delhi. 

One of the hotels in Bhowali - on road towards Almora

During monsoons this hotel is full of Begonia flowers (tuberos variety) - a close up of the same

Bhowali township is almost as old as Nainital, as because of its salubrious climes it housed a Sanatorium for Tuberculosis patients that was built way back in 1912.  The place is named after a small village that is placed about  3 Kms. from the main road that runs from just below the Sanatorium gate and goes by the same name i.e. Bhowali.  Bhowali, apart from the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam managed Tourist Rest House (TRH),  now has quite a few homestays just beyond the municipal limits on way of Mukheshwar and Almora, hence can be easily be used as a base point for day visits to places like – a) The famous Ghora Khal temple dedicated to Golu Devta (a local and reverend God of justice); b)  Ramgarh & Mukteshwar; c) Kainchi Dham (only eight Kms. Away) and on other side d) Bhimtal; e) Sattal etc., many such nondescript little destinations are also placed within the Bhowali Tehsil.   It would be a good idea to stay in such a location, being cheaper but with all amenities during travel.  The STD code for the destination is – 5492 and PIN Code is – 263132.

 Here is a short video of the destination –

 © S Roy Biswas